Senior-level academics in computer science play an essential role in advancing technology worldwide. They are responsible for leading computer science education and conducting translational research into vital areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and cybersecurity.
Academics at this level would already have an established national and international reputation for research and teaching in areas related to computer science. They collaborate in research with other universities, tech companies and industries, public sector bodies and research institutes globally and have a breadth of knowledge in a specific field.
In this post, we profile a range of senior-level academic jobs in computer science, the qualifications and experience required, and how to take your academic career to even greater heights.
Job Descriptions
- Associate Professor in Visual Computing
- Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics
- Professor of Computer Science
Associate Professor in Visual Computing
Visual computing is a field of computer science focusing on the development of computing tools that efficiently perceive and process visual data. Associate professors in this area deliver specialist, cross-disciplinary teaching while researching and developing key technologies in the field.
Duties:
- Leading individual and collaborative research in visual computing.
- Developing proposals for funding from national and international sources.
- Delivery of teaching across computer sciences disciplines at all levels.
- Publication of research and scholarly articles.
- Curriculum design and development.
- Establishing research collaboration with external partners worldwide.
- Supervision of Ph.D. students.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A first degree and/or Master’s in computer science and a Ph.D. in an area related to visual computing would be essential for an associate professor job.
You would also need to demonstrate evidence of research excellence and impact in the field and a track record in the delivery of research-led teaching at all levels.
What’s the pay?
An associate professor in visual computing can expect a starting salary in the range of £44,414 to £52,841 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Associate professors are equivalent to senior lecturers in UK universities (depending on the institution). The next step up from this level would be to apply for a professorship. Opportunities for promotion are influenced by the success of your research and publication record, teaching experience, and ability to attract further funding to the institution.
Where can I find jobs?
There is global demand for vision, imaging, and visualisation technologies (such as facial recognition software), and impactful research in this area is well-funded. You will find a range of teaching and research jobs available in universities, research institutes, and technology companies worldwide.
However, bear in mind that the majority of associate professor jobs are advertised as full-time and permanent. Therefore, job turnover can be low, and availability is related to the specific research programmes of the university.
Find associate professor jobs in computer science here.
Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics
Bioinformaticians develop computational tools which analyse and interpret complex biological data. Senior lecturers in this field lead research activities and deliver teaching across science, health, and biotechnology disciplines.
Duties:
- Conducting high-quality research in the field of bioinformatics.
- Publication and dissemination of research.
- Leading the acquisition of research funding from a variety of sources.
- Providing strategic leadership in the subject area and research group.
- Delivery of interdisciplinary teaching at all levels.
- Curriculum design and development.
- Management and supervision of doctoral students and junior research staff.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Ph.D. in an area related to bioinformatics, data science, and health technology, plus an established track record in research and teaching would be essential for a senior lecturer job.
You would need to have a breadth of knowledge and experience in the field of bioinformatics and be able to demonstrate evidence of successful research outcomes. The ability to deliver high-quality, innovative teaching across multiple disciplines and curricula at all levels would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
A senior lecturer in bioinformatics can expect a starting salary in the region of £43,414 to £53,353 p.a.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as a senior lecturer, you could apply for a Reader position or a professorship. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and research output and publication.
Where can I find jobs?
Bioinformatics is a hybrid field reaching across multiple disciplines and demand for experts in this area is growing steadily worldwide. In the UK, bioinformatics is mainly taught at postgraduate level. Therefore, the best place to start your search would be in HE institutions that offer this type of programme.
Find Senior Lecturer in bioinformatics jobs here.
Professor of Computer Science
Professors of computer science are senior academics who lead research and teaching within their department. As computer science is a broad field, academics at this level may be specialised in a number of areas of computer science, such as machine learning or data science.
Duties include:
- Leading research activities on a national and international level.
- Developing and maintaining research expertise and specialist knowledge.
- Leading and contributing to significant external funding applications.
- Delivery of teaching and supervision according to specialism.
- Managing research and teaching staff.
- Disseminating and publishing outcomes of research globally.
- Recruitment and supervision of doctoral students.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A Ph.D. in an area of computer science and a long track record in research outputs/publication and the ability to generate funding would be essential criteria for a professorship. Demonstrable experience in enterprise and engagement with external bodies and international collaboration would also be necessary.
What’s the pay?
The majority of professorial salaries are stated as ‘non-disclosed’ or ‘competitive’ in job adverts and are usually agreed by negotiation with individual institutions. However, professorship salaries in computer sciences generally range from between £61,270 and £83,306 p.a.
What can it lead to?
In the UK, professor is the most senior academic role; however, many professors choose to move into a university’s senior leadership team in the role of Head/Director of Department or Dean/Head of School.
Where can I find jobs?
The majority of professorships are advertised as permanent, so the turnover of jobs is low. The most popular areas of the UK for professorships advertised are the Midlands and the South East of England.
Find professor of computer science jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Computer Science
- Lecturing jobs in Computer Science
- Research jobs in Computer Science
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